HONG KONG

AN ASIAN INSPIRATION

No longer just the ‘barren rock’ occupied by the British two centuries ago, the Special Administrative Region of Hong Kong, which includes the notorious island itself, Kowloon Peninsula and extensive New Territories, as well as over 260 outlying islands, is an Asian inspiration, rivalling those much bigger in geographical size. With a population of over 7 million people, Hong Kong is one of the most densely populated places on the planet. Hong Kong attracts a flood of travellers from across the world, making it Asia’s leading tourist destination and is an ideal base for exploring southern China and South-East Asia, as well as being an enthralling destination in its own right.

Hong Kong may be where east meets west but it is also still a very Chinese metropolis, which is part of its perennial appeal. This is a fusion of modern and futuristic buildings mixed with historic cultures and past traditions. Head away from the remaining relics of British and Portuguese influence, past the fast food brands and international stores and you’ll discover the culture that few see of Hong Kong. In the shade of skyscrapers, ancient fishing settlements and Taoist temples adorned with sandalwood reside alongside local food shops and hectic street markets.

Hong Kong Island is only 80 square kilometres but this is the heart of the country. Highlights include the Peak, which is reached by the Peak Tram and where you can witness superb panoramas of the city’s awesome skyline; Causeway Bay, which is Hong Kong’s shopping, gourmet and entertainment area; Central (the CBD) with its numerous high-end shopping malls and the nightlife areas of Soho and Lan Kwai Fong; the Southern District featuring the famous Stanley Market, Ocean Park and the wonderful beaches of Repulse Bay and Deep Water Bay; and the Star Ferry, which zips across the harbour for a mere $2.

Kowloon is nestled between Hong Kong Island and the New Territories and is home to Hong Kong’s pre-eminent shopping, with eccentric markets and the latest gleaming shops. Visit Tsim Sha Tsui with its museums and huge shopping malls (Harbour City has over 700 shops!); Mong Kok with its speciality shopping streets; Temple Street in Yau Ma Tei, which is a vibrant area full of stalls selling all sorts of bargains and foodstuff; and the gourmet area of Hung Hom.

Head into the New Territories, which is the largest area of Hong Kong and has modern cities like Sha Tin and Tuen Mun and then over 260 outlying islands including Cheung Chau and Lamma Island. Lantau Island houses the international airport, the Po Lin Monastery and Big Buddha plus Disneyland! Off the beaten track you will find trekking, countryside culture and life at a more relaxed pace.

Hong Kong is robust and versatile: the view of the city lit-up at night, delectable noodle soups, dim sum and Chinese tea are worth even the pickiest eater to give it a go. For the naturalists, it’s all about the bird watching, climbing and hiking in the region’s picturesque mountainous countryside.

Getting about is also easy with the world-class MTR (subway) being the most popular mode of transport and it serves over 85 stations in all of the main entertainment, shopping and eating areas.

Throw in a seemingly non-stop calendar of festivals and sporting events and you have a country that will appeal to all types of travellers – explorers and adventure seekers, shopaholics, families seeking fun and entertainment, honeymooners seeking romance and sun-worshippers. Hong Kong is just waiting to be discovered.

Flight Time: Approx 12 hours

Time Difference: GMT +8 hours

Language: English & Chinese are the two official languages, with Cantonese also spoken

Currency: Hong Kong Dollar

Area: 426 square miles

Total coastline: Approx 85 miles

Population: Approx. 7.2 million

Capital: None (Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region of China)

Hong Kong has a subtropical climate with four distinct seasons as follows:-
Spring (March to May) is warm and humid with an average temperature of between 17-25°C. Evenings can be cool.
Summer (June to August) is hot, humid and sunny, with occasional showers and thunderstorms. The temperature can exceed 31°C but high humidity levels can make it feel even hotter.
Autumn (September to November) is pleasant and sunny and this is the best time of the year to visit Hong Kong. The average temperature is between 19– 28°C.
Winter (December to February) is cool, dry and cloudy, with occasional cold fronts. The average temperature is between 12–20°C.

BEST TIME TO TRAVEL
Hong Kong is effectively a year round destination but it is advisable to avoid the typhoon season between May & August. The best months to visit Hong Kong are March to April and September to November when the humidity is low, the skies are blue and the temperature is warm but not too hot.

Health & Vaccinations

We recommend that you are up to date with all of the usual vaccinations – Typhoid, Polio, Hepatitis A & B, Tetanus and Rabies. Please contact your local GP for full advice at least 3-4 weeks before travel.

Passport & Visa

British passport holders must be in possession of a full 10-year passport and must have at least 6 months validity beyond the date of the return journey. British passport holders do not need a visa to enter into Hong Kong (for stays of up to 180 days).

WHERE TO STAY

Kowloon Shangri La is a luxurious is a 5 star hotel in Hong Kong, providing its guests with comfortable rooms, suites and restaurants, as well as the excellent facilities and services on hand for the guests to use when staying within this hotel. More Info

Island Shangri-La Hotel, Hong Kong is a luxury 5 star hotel, located in the eastern end of the Central and Western district. This hotel has been named the ‘Best Business Hotel in Hong Kong’ for three consecutive years (2011-2013). More Info

SUGGESTED ITINERARIES

This multi-centre holiday is as dramatic as it is luxurious. Stay 3 nights in the beautiful city of Cape Town, enjoy an awesome 3 night safari experience in the Malaria-Free Welgevonden Game Reserve, 1 night in Johannesburg and then finish with 7 nights on the idyllic island of Mauritius.More Info

This multi-centre holiday is as dramatic as it is luxurious. Stay 3 nights in the beautiful city of Cape Town, enjoy an awesome 3 night safari experience in the Malaria-Free Welgevonden Game Reserve, 1 night in Johannesburg and then finish with 7 nights on the idyllic island of Mauritius.More Info

This multi-centre holiday is as dramatic as it is luxurious. Stay 3 nights in the beautiful city of Cape Town, enjoy an awesome 3 night safari experience in the Malaria-Free Welgevonden Game Reserve, 1 night in Johannesburg and then finish with 7 nights on the idyllic island of Mauritius.More Info

Speak to any of the team at Inspirational Travel to get ideas for your holiday or honeymoon to Hong Kong. Call us on 01778 382764.

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£2.50 per person of the cost of each package holiday is paid to the Civil Aviation Authority to provide ATOL protection for you. This means any money paid for your trip is fully protected. Our ATOL number is 9748.

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Inspirational Travel is a trading name of ER Marketing Ltd. Copyright by Inspirational Travel. All rights reserved. 2018